Argentina midfielder Alexis McAllister signed for Liverpool on Thursday for an initial fee of $43.6 million to mark the start of an expected rebuild by the team.
Mac Allister, part of last year’s world champion Argentina squad, completed the move from Brighton in what Liverpool described as a “long-term deal”.
“Ever since I won the World Cup, I said I want to win more trophies and I think this is the team that will help me get there,” said the 24-year-old McAllister. “That is the aim and when you are at a big club like this you have to win trophies. That’s why I want it.”
McAllister helped Brighton to their best ever Premier League position, finishing sixth in the table, one place below Liverpool.
Brighton also qualified for the Europa League.
McAllister’s reputation skyrocketed last year when he played a leading role alongside Lionel Messi in Argentina’s World Cup championship.
“It’s a dream come true, it’s amazing to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” said McAllister. “I’ve wanted to be there since the first day of preseason, so it’s good that everything has worked out. I want to meet my teammates.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp needs to strengthen the midfield after the team confirmed the upcoming off-season departures of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Klopp’s side had a disappointing season, failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven years, and failing to win the trophy.
